Sporting Club (SC) Delhi seek to build on their recent success when they face Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Friday, January 31. Later the same day, Mohammedan SC hopes to claim their first points of the season against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with kick-off set for 19:30 IST.
The opening match will begin at 17:00 IST. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on FanCode and Sony Sports TEN 2.
Chennaiyin FC return home following a 3-1 defeat to East Bengal FC, where a late rally by the opposition overturned Irfan Yadwad’s first-half equaliser. Currently 12th in the standings with five points, head coach Clifford Miranda stresses the need for improved defensive organisation to attain a vital victory.
Miranda said, “SC Delhi are a young team that plays with a lot of heart and attacking intent. It will be a good contest between two teams who like to keep the ball on the floor, and we hope to have a good game.” Forward Irfan Yadwad added, “Preparation has been very good. We train according to the opponent, and we are ready for the match. We want to respect our opponents, but also at the same time make sure we play to win and secure all three points.”
SC Delhi arrive on the back of a commanding 3-0 away victory over NorthEast United FC, powered by a brace from Joseph Sunny and a late goal from Mohammed Aimen. With consecutive wins, they have moved up to ninth place with eight points and a win on Friday would take them to 11 points, cementing their challenge for a top-half finish.
Chennaiyin FC have historically dominated this fixture. In 22 previous ISL meetings, including SC Delhi's history as Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City, Chennaiyin have recorded 12 wins compared to Delhi's five, with five matches drawn. Chennaiyin have outscored their opponents 29 to 22. Their most recent encounter in December 2024 ended with a narrow 1-0 win for Chennaiyin at home.
SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchorz highlighted the importance of sustained performance, saying, “We are in a good moment because we are unbeaten in our last four games, including two away wins with clean sheets. Chennaiyin is a very experienced team and a tough opponent, but we are ready to continue our streak and get points.” Defender Alex Saji added, “We have been playing well in the past couple of matches, and we want to maintain that form until the end of the season. The team is confident, and the dressing room mood is great. We are focused on our performance, and we hope that our winning run continues.”
In the evening fixture, Odisha FC will aim to recover from a 3-1 away loss to FC Goa, despite a stoppage-time strike by Suhair VP. Currently 11th in the league with five points, the Juggernauts intend to use their home advantage to halt their decline. A victory would advance Odisha FC to eight points.
Head coach T.G. Purushothaman noted, “The goals we conceded were not due to defensive breakdowns, but small mistakes that the opponent capitalised on. All the players are performing to their capacity. The only issue is conversion, and once that improves, everything will fall into place.” Winger C. Vanlalruatfela added, “The home ground is special. In away matches, we don’t get this level of support. We have played well in our previous home games, and we want the fans to come and support us.”
Mohammedan SC travel to Bhubaneswar in search of their first point of the campaign. Occupying the bottom position without any points after seven matches, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Inter Kashi in their most recent game despite an improved attacking display.
Head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo recognised the difficulties but called for determination, stating, “I feel the effort the players have put in deserves more points, but our focus remains unchanged. Our primary objective has been survival. We still have six matches left, and we will give everything to achieve that.” Defender Lal Thangkeema commented, “We have been unfortunate not to get points this season. We have been better in the previous few matches and we hope that we can get our first points tomorrow. My main focus is to improve as a player and help the team achieve its objective of staying in the league.”
The two previous ISL meetings between Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC both ended in goalless draws, with neither team securing a victory.
The double-header presents crucial fixtures for the points table. Mohammedan SC face a must-win scenario to kickstart their fight against relegation. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC aim to secure three points to move into safety; a Mohammedan victory would further complicate their positions. Sporting Club Delhi seek to maintain momentum, extend their unbeaten streak, and push firmly into the top half of the league standings.